The term "leaky gut" is thrown around a lot these days. Leaky gut can be linked to so many conditions; especially ones related to the gut and chronic inflammation. Allergies, intolerances, joint pain, even autoimmune diseases can all be linked back to leaky gut.
But what exactly is your gut?
Simply put, your “gut” (a.k.a. “intestinal tract”) is a tube that makes up part of your digestive system. It’s not as simple as a hose or pipe; it’s an amazing tube made of live cells tightly bound together. Your gut helps your body absorb fluids and nutrients, digests your food, and houses billions of friendly gut microbes.
Absorption of fluids and nutrients happens when they pass through this cellular tube into the circulatory and lymph systems, to your liver, and the rest of your body, all the way to your toenails; and your cells get all the nutrition they need to be healthy and grow.
It's also selective to what it allows past its barrier. Your intestinal tract purposefully keeps some things from being absorbed, so they pass right on through to the other end to be eliminated as waste. You don't want to absorb many harmful microbes or toxins into your body, right?
FUN FACT: About 70-80% of our immune system is housed around our gut, so it’s ready for foreign invaders. Sometimes, maybe too ready!
How does a gut become “leaky?”
Scientifically speaking, a “leaky gut” is known as “intestinal permeability.” This means that our intestines are permeable and allow things through that they normally would keep out. They “leak.”
The gut can become leaky if the cells get damaged, or if the bonds that hold the cells together get damaged. Leaky gut can be caused or worsened by a number of diet and lifestyle factors. Dietary factors like too much sugar or alcohol or even eating things that you're intolerant to can all contribute to leaky gut.
Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep, infections, and some medications can also be culprits in this area. Sometimes, if the balance of microbes inside the gut is thrown off, this can also contribute to excessive permeability.
Any contributing factors that alter the balance in your gut may cause our gut to become "permeable" or leak. At this point incompletely digested nutrients, microbes (infectious or friendly), toxins, or waste products can more easily get into our bodies.
What are the symptoms of a leaky gut?
The first place affected is the gut itself, and the symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. Additionally whatever you eat isn't properly digested, and their nutrients aren't fully absorbed. Poor absorption can lead to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals and your entire body will suffer. Acne, dry skin, itchiness, rashes, eczema, and hives can all be symptoms related to leaky gut. Even rosacea and psoriasis, which are autoimmune responses, can be attributed to "leaky gut".
It’s possible that even some neurological symptoms are linked with leaky gut. For example, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, inability to sleep, and general moodiness can also be related. The connections between the brain and gut are not fully understood.
Finally, a number of chronic inflammatory diseases are thought to be linked with a leaky gut. Things like Crohn's, colitis, celiac disease, IBS, and MS. Even things like heart disease and stroke are possibilities.
What to eat for leaky gut
The general recommendation is to stop eating inflammatory foods and eat more gut-soothing foods. Incorporating a gut-soothing diet means cutting out grains, legumes, and dairy. Add to that list, food additives, alcohol, and refined sugars.
It's important to cut out problem foods and drinks and add in more gut-soothing things like green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and probiotic foods. It's also important to ensure you're getting enough omega-3 fats, vitamin D, and amino acids.
Recipe: Gut Healing Green Smoothie - 2 servings
Put all in blender and blend until smooth.
2 1/2 cups
Water (cold)
2 cups
Kale Leaves
1/2
Avocado (peeled and pit removed)
1
Banana (frozen)
1 tbsp
Chia Seeds
2 tbsps
Ground Flax Seed
1/4 cup
Hemp Seeds
2 tbsps
Raw Honey
Let me know if you would like to find out about a gut-healing program.